Miami Hurricanes Land Four-Star Running Back from Alabama

The Miami Hurricanes and head coach Mario Cristobal are celebrating a significant recruiting victory as they secure a commitment from highly sought-after Class of 2024 four-star running back Kevin Riley, hailing from Tuscaloosa County (AL). Riley’s decision to choose Miami over powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, and Ole Miss has sent shockwaves throughout the college football recruiting landscape.

Riley’s commitment marks a major addition to Miami’s 2024 recruiting class. He joins three-star running back Chris Wheatley-Humphrey from South Broward (FL), as the second running back to pledge his commitment to the Hurricanes, forming a dynamic duo that will bring an explosive rushing attack to the Miami offense in the coming years.

Standing at 6-foot, 195-pounds, Riley is a top-100 ranked prospect in the country and the fourth-highest ranked running back overall. In his junior season, he showcased his skills by amassing an impressive 1,306 rushing yards and scoring 11 touchdowns on 203 carries.

With Riley’s commitment, Miami not only gains an elite talent in the backfield but also secures their highest-ranked commitment in the 2024 class. As the sixth four-star prospect to join the Hurricanes’ recruiting haul, Riley adds another layer of talent and potential to an already promising group.

Riley’s decision to choose Miami reflects the trust and belief he has in head coach Mario Cristobal’s vision for the program’s future. Additionally, the strong connection and rapport between Riley and Miami’s new running back coach, Tim Harris Jr., played a crucial role in landing his commitment.

The commitment of Kevin Riley stands as evidence of Miami’s strong recruiting capabilities and the increasing national interest in the program under Coach Cristobal’s guidance. Riley’s choice to select Miami over prestigious programs, including his hometown Alabama Crimson Tide, reflects his belief in the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Miami’s promising future and their esteemed football legacy.

Miami’s achievement in securing Riley’s commitment is undoubtedly a major triumph. However, their coaching staff must remain vigilant in fending off the relentless pursuit of Alabama, who seeks to sway his commitment before the early signing day period in December.

As an upright runner, Riley demonstrates patience, vision, and quick acceleration. He possesses great agility and change of direction. With excellent balance, body control, and strength, he excels in powering through contact and thrives in short yardage situations. Riley’s north-south running style makes him a valuable asset between the tackles. Equipped with a collegiate-ready frame, he is poised to contribute early, potentially assuming the role of a change-of-pace running back as a freshman on the collegiate level.

Aside from the notable commitments of Kevin Riley and Chris Wheatley-Humphrey in the 2024 recruiting class, the Miami Hurricanes have made remarkable progress in fortifying their backfield within a year’s time. The Hurricanes have secured other highly regarded recruits, including four-star RB Mark Fletcher Jr. and four-star RB Christopher Johnson Jr., who have already enrolled for the fall. Fletcher and Johnson were key members of Miami’s top-10 ranked 2023 recruiting class, contributing to the newfound strength of the backfield.

Additionally, from the transfer portal, Miami has acquired Ajay Allen from Nebraska, a former four-star recruit from the class of 2022. Allen’s presence further solidifies Miami’s backfield as a position of strength, promising intense competition and a bright future for the team’s offense.